Jersey City has invited us to take a look at the area’s growing foodie offerings. In the past 18 months, more than 10 new restaurants have opened in the Jersey City Restaurant Row and the surrounding neighborhoods, with several new establishments (such as Top Chef contestant-owned Talde and Asbury Park’s famous Porta) slated to open in the coming months. Jersey City’s culinary scene offers residents and visitors what is felt to be a wide range of local, regional and global cuisine and world class dining experiences.

With a hop on the PATH Train, visitors to New York City and New York residents can experience the rapidly expanding foodie scene in this area including:

Orale (opened June 2013) – Owned by Louis Alvarez and Alex Mendelsohn, but formerly of Rosa Mexicano, Orale serves traditional Mexican American dishes with a twist. The restaurant offers diners a full menu with items like tacos with beer battered fish and guacamole with pineapple cubes or bleu cheese trimmings.

Roman Nose (opened October 2012) – Offering authentic Italian cuisine, Roman Nose is a culmination of Maria and Ruggero Fiore’s journey from a small peasant village in the Lazio region of Italy to the heart of Jersey City.

Union Republic (opened November 2013) – Located in the historic section of downtown Jersey City, Union Republic houses a butcher shop and restaurant. The café features novel dishes (such as ramen burger) at what is said to be reasonable prices. Union Republic is also a supporter of local sustainable organic options wherever possible.